Chill out with thrilling waterslides, natural springs, indoor fun and more ways to stay cool.
Looking for ways to stay cool while exploring Orlando? You’ll find plenty of refreshing options across the destination, from full-featured resort pools to one-of-a-kind water parks. Whether you prefer to relax poolside, explore our natural springs, or plunge down towering waterslides, here are 10 unbeatable ways to chill out this summer and all year long in Orlando.
Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit. You can also plot your adventures with our AI planning assistant, OPAL.
Explore Our World-Class Water Parks
Universal Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando’s world-class water parks turn cooling off into a full-day adventure. Whether you’re drifting in a lazy river, sipping cocktails by the shore, or hurtling down a high-speed waterslide, these sun-soaked escapes provide the perfect tropical backdrop for your vacation memories.
If you’re craving something ultra-laid back, you can also chill out with white sand beaches, swimming in tropical coves, and all-inclusive food and drink at day resort Discovery Cove®. Many water parks also offer late-night, separately ticketed events for the ultimate summer cooldown.
Please note: Orlando’s water parks are subject to temporary closures. Please check your favorite park’s current status ahead of your visit.
Splash Down on Theme Park Water Rides
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at MAGIC KINGDOM® Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort
Beyond wave pools and waterslides, Orlando’s theme parks offer a wide variety of attractions with refreshing splashdowns and interactive water effects. Some of our newest additions are Fyre Drill at Universal Epic Universe, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom® Park, and the walkthrough attraction Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT®.
Additional water rides include Jurassic Park River Adventure, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges, and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at Universal Islands of Adventure; Infinity Falls® and Journey to Atlantis® at SeaWorld® Orlando; Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park; and the Battle of Bricksburg and AQUAZONE® Wave Racers at LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park.
Unwind at Resort Pools & Lazy Rivers
Evermore Orlando Resort (Courtesy of Visit Florida)
Many of Orlando’s top hotels boast lazy rivers splash pads, and even full-on water parks, transforming a chill afternoon by the pool into a full day of fun. Evermore Orlando Resort, for example, offers three pools, a beach, private villa pools and a pristine, 8-acre lagoon with kayaking, cruise tours and over-the-water cabanas. Explore next-level resort amenities like private cabanas, waterslides and poolside service throughout the destination to make a splash in style.
Whether you’re visiting Orlando’s theme parks or exploring our vibrant neighborhoods, nothing hits the spot like a sweet, frosty treat. Cool off with one-of-a-kind flavors at Sampaguita Ice Cream, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, Salt & Straw, and more, or spice things up with boozy popsicles and Biggie Shakes from JoJo’s ShakeBAR. Throw in hand-rolled Thai ice cream, boba tea, affogato and more creamy treats for delicious, handcrafted fun throughout the destination.
For a limited time this summer, you can also thrill to chill on the Orlando Ice Cream Trail from Visit Orlando and Florida Dairy Farmers, checking in with a digital trail pass at each stop to earn points and unlock tasty prizes.
Swim in Orlando-Area Natural Springs
Unwind in Orlando-Area Natural Springs
Our nearby natural springs boast clear, cool water and breathtaking scenic views, often with an added dose of adventure. Swim, snorkel and unwind in crystalline spring water, float through serene waterways in a clear kayak for two, or join a guided tour for outdoor adventure made easy. We have several natural springs within one hour of Orlando, including laid-back locales with tubing, lazy rivers and even manatee-spotting — plus even more storied spots a quick day trip away.
Orlando also boasts water-based adventures that are perfect for cooling down outside, from guided boat tours to aquatic adventure parks. Take it easy with a scenic tour through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes or a chartered sunset sail near College Park, or feel the rush of the wind on a high-speed airboat tour through pristine swampland. Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding are all popular pastimes here, with plentiful rentals, guided tours and beginner-friendly excursions available.
If you want to spend most of the day in the water rather than on top it, you can also go tubing, water skiing or jet skiing at Paradise Cove, learn to wakeboard at Orlando Watersports Complex, or splash your way through a water-based, inflatable obstacle course at Nona Adventure Park.
Stay Cool With Indoor Attractions & Experiences
Activate Games
When the going gets hot, explore indoor attractions for thrilling fun away from the sun. For starters, you can cool off in a fully air-conditioned capsule at The Orlando Eye, catch Blue Man Group in their new home at ICON Park®, or challenge your friends to physical games and puzzles at the all-new Level 99. With groundbreaking attractions, indoor action parks, museums, escape rooms, performing arts centers and more, there’s no wrong way to cool down in Orlando.
At ICEBAR Orlando, drinks aren’t just served over ice. They’re served inside an ice cave, which remains a frosty 22 degrees all year long and features over 70 tons of hand-carved ice. Don your winter coat — included with admission — and grab an ice-cold drink at one of the most unique bars in Orlando.
While not literally freezing, there are countless other Orlando nightspots and restaurants that serve cool summer cocktails. Whether you’re seeking sleek rooftop views, poolside vibes or speakeasy sips, we have you covered with fun cocktail and mocktail options across the city.
Discover Themed Family Splash Pads
Have a Splashing Good Time in Orlando
Let the good times flow with kid-friendly splash pads throughout Orlando, from interactive play areas at our theme parks and hotels to community splash pads in our enchanting neighborhoods. Little ones can jump in “muddy puddles” at Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida, part of LEGOLAND Florida Resort, or play their way through Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station at Magic Kingdom Park, Rubber Duckie Water Works at SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Land™, Astronomica at Universal Epic Universe, or DUPLO® Splash & Play at LEGOLAND Florida.
Additional splash-tastic options include Gator Gully Splash Park at Gatorland, the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and dozens more at our amenity-packed hotels and resorts.
Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Finally, Orlando’s luxury spas offer a refreshing way to relax and recharge while maintaining a serene tropical getaway vibe. Unwind with locally inspired treatments like the Creekside Massage or Everglades Scrub Body Wrap at The Spa at Shingle Creek, or luxuriate in orange blossom sugar scrubs, citrus massage oils, rejuvenating honey treatments, and even bespoke spa services inspired by our natural springs. Many spa treatments also include access to resort pools for double the cooling fun.
Stay Connected to Orlando
You never know what we will dream up next. Connect with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services for free, personalized assistance, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Threads and YouTube for valuable offers, exclusive tips, fresh attractions and the latest events. You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter for more information from Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World.
Beth Bell loves travel, theme parks and exploring new places, especially if there’s food involved. She’s a content senior representative at Visit Orlando.
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